U-Haul Trailers Sizes: Your Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Perfect Hauling Solution cars.truckstrend.com
Moving, transporting goods, or tackling a DIY project often requires more space than your personal vehicle can offer. This is where U-Haul trailers step in, providing a versatile and accessible solution for various hauling needs. With a wide array of sizes and types, U-Haul trailers empower individuals to transport everything from a few boxes to an entire household or even a vehicle. However, navigating the options and choosing the right U-Haul trailer size can feel daunting. This comprehensive guide will demystify U-Haul trailer sizes, helping you make an informed decision that ensures a smooth, efficient, and safe hauling experience.
Understanding U-Haul trailer sizes is paramount for several reasons. Opting for a trailer too small means multiple trips, wasted time, and potential damage to your belongings from overcrowding. Conversely, a trailer that’s too large can be more challenging to tow, consume more fuel, and incur unnecessary costs. The goal is to find the perfect balance – a trailer that comfortably accommodates your items, is compatible with your towing vehicle, and fits your budget.
U-Haul Trailers Sizes: Your Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Perfect Hauling Solution
Understanding U-Haul Trailer Categories
U-Haul broadly categorizes its trailers into a few main types, each designed for specific purposes:
- Cargo Trailers (Enclosed): These are fully enclosed trailers, offering protection from the elements and security for your belongings. Ideal for furniture, boxes, and items that need to stay dry and secure.
- Utility Trailers (Open-Top): These are open-top trailers, perfect for hauling bulky, irregularly shaped, or outdoor items like landscaping materials, ATVs, motorcycles, or construction debris. Some come with a ramp for easy loading.
- Vehicle Trailers (Car Haulers & Tow Dollies): Specifically designed for transporting vehicles, these are distinct from cargo and utility trailers in their function.
Let’s delve into the specifics of each size within the cargo and utility categories.
Cargo Trailers: Your Enclosed Hauling Solution
U-Haul’s enclosed cargo trailers are the go-to choice for moving household goods, protecting them from weather and potential theft. They feature a sturdy, lightweight design and a low deck for easier loading. Most come with an automatic surge brake and a sturdy ramp for convenient access.
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4×6 Cargo Trailer:
- Dimensions (Approximate Interior): 6′ long x 4′ wide x 4′ high
- Cubic Feet: Approximately 80 cubic feet
- Max Load Weight: Up to 1,630 lbs
- Ideal For: Small tasks, such as moving a dorm room, studio apartment, or transporting personal belongings, boxes, small furniture items (e.g., nightstands, small dressers). It’s also great for camping gear or a few large boxes.
- Pros: Very easy to tow, fuel-efficient, fits in smaller spaces, low rental cost.
- Cons: Limited capacity, may require multiple trips for larger moves.
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5×8 Cargo Trailer:
- Dimensions (Approximate Interior): 8′ long x 5′ wide x 5′ high
- Cubic Feet: Approximately 200 cubic feet
- Max Load Weight: Up to 1,800 lbs
- Ideal For: Moving a small apartment (studio or 1-bedroom), transporting a couch, queen-size mattress, appliances (washer/dryer), or multiple boxes. This is one of U-Haul’s most popular sizes due to its versatility.
- Pros: Good balance of capacity and towability, widely available, provides ample protection for belongings.
- Cons: May still be too small for larger apartments or houses.
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5×10 Cargo Trailer:
- Dimensions (Approximate Interior): 10′ long x 5′ wide x 6′ high
- Cubic Feet: Approximately 270 cubic feet
- Max Load Weight: Up to 1,550 lbs
- Ideal For: Moving a larger 1-bedroom apartment or a small 2-bedroom apartment. It can accommodate larger furniture pieces like king-size mattresses, sofas, dining tables, and multiple appliances. The extra height is beneficial for taller items.
- Pros: Significant capacity for its footprint, relatively easy to tow for most SUVs and trucks, good for mixed loads of furniture and boxes.
- Cons: Might be slightly less agile in tight spots than smaller trailers.
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6×12 Cargo Trailer:
- Dimensions (Approximate Interior): 12′ long x 6′ wide x 6′ high
- Cubic Feet: Approximately 390 cubic feet
- Max Load Weight: Up to 2,480 lbs
- Ideal For: Moving a 2-bedroom apartment or a small house. This is U-Haul’s largest enclosed trailer and can handle large furniture sets, multiple appliances, and a substantial number of boxes. It’s often used when a moving truck is too much, but a smaller trailer isn’t enough.
- Pros: Maximum enclosed capacity, suitable for most residential moves, provides excellent protection.
- Cons: Requires a more capable towing vehicle, can be challenging to maneuver for inexperienced drivers, higher fuel consumption.
Utility Trailers: Open-Air Versatility
U-Haul’s utility trailers are open-top, flatbed trailers designed for hauling items that are bulky, dirty, or oddly shaped. Many feature a low deck and a loading ramp for ease of use.
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4×7 Utility Trailer:
- Dimensions (Approximate Deck): 7′ long x 4′ wide
- Max Load Weight: Up to 1,770 lbs
- Ideal For: Small landscaping projects, hauling brush, trash, dirt, or a few pieces of lumber. Can also transport small ATVs, dirt bikes, or a lawnmower.
- Pros: Extremely easy to tow, very maneuverable, low rental cost.
- Cons: No weather protection, limited space for larger items.
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5×8 Utility Trailer:
- Dimensions (Approximate Deck): 8′ long x 5′ wide
- Max Load Weight: Up to 1,890 lbs
- Ideal For: Larger landscaping jobs, transporting building materials, a single motorcycle, or a larger ATV. Versatile for home improvement projects.
- Pros: Good balance of size and ease of towing, ramp often included for easy loading of wheeled items.
- Cons: Still open to elements, requiring tarps for protection.
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5×9 Utility Trailer with Ramp:
- Dimensions (Approximate Deck): 9′ long x 5′ wide
- Max Load Weight: Up to 1,650 lbs (often lower than 5×8 due to ramp weight)
- Ideal For: Similar uses to the 5×8 but with the added convenience of a built-in ramp, making it perfect for loading motorcycles, ATVs, riding mowers, or heavy equipment.
- Pros: Excellent for loading wheeled items, good capacity for various projects.
- Cons: Ramp adds weight, potentially reducing payload capacity slightly.
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6×12 Utility Trailer (Single & Tandem Axle):
- Dimensions (Approximate Deck): 12′ long x 6′ wide
- Max Load Weight: Single Axle up to 2,670 lbs; Tandem Axle up to 4,960 lbs
- Ideal For: Heavy-duty hauling, large construction materials, multiple motorcycles, larger ATVs, small tractors, or significant amounts of landscaping debris. The tandem axle version provides superior stability and weight capacity.
- Pros: Maximum utility trailer capacity, suitable for heavy and bulky items, tandem axle offers enhanced stability.
- Cons: Requires a robust towing vehicle, can be challenging to maneuver, higher rental cost.
Choosing the Right U-Haul Trailer Size: A Practical Guide
Selecting the appropriate trailer size is critical for a successful haul. Here’s a systematic approach:
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Assess Your Items’ Volume and Weight:
- Volume: Envision your belongings. Will they fit snugly, or will there be too much empty space (which can cause items to shift)? For furniture, measure the largest pieces. For boxes, estimate the total number.
- Weight: This is crucial for safety. Estimate the total weight of everything you plan to load. Remember that furniture and appliances are much heavier than boxes of clothes. Don’t forget the weight of the trailer itself.
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Consider Item Type:
- Enclosed vs. Open: Are your items sensitive to weather (furniture, electronics, artwork) or do they need security? Choose a cargo trailer. Are they bulky, dirty, or irregularly shaped (lumber, brush, vehicles)? A utility trailer is better.
- Ramps: If you’re loading wheeled items (motorcycles, ATVs, riding mowers) or very heavy items that need to be rolled, a trailer with a ramp is essential.
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Evaluate Your Towing Vehicle’s Capacity:
- Tow Rating: Your vehicle’s owner’s manual will specify its maximum towing capacity. This is the absolute maximum weight (trailer + cargo) your vehicle can safely pull. Never exceed this.
- Hitch Class: Ensure your vehicle has an appropriate hitch (Class I, II, III, etc.) compatible with the trailer’s tongue weight and overall weight.
- Wiring: Your vehicle needs a working wiring harness for trailer lights (turn signals, brake lights, running lights).
- Braking System: Larger trailers (especially the 6×12 cargo and tandem axle utility) often come with surge brakes, which engage automatically. Ensure your vehicle can handle the additional braking requirements.
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Consider Distance and Driving Conditions:
- Short vs. Long Haul: For shorter, local moves, you might tolerate a slightly smaller trailer and make an extra trip. For long-distance moves, getting the right size initially saves time, fuel, and hassle.
- Terrain: If you’re driving through mountains or on challenging roads, a lighter load and smaller trailer will be easier to manage.
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Driver Experience: If you’re new to towing, start with a smaller, lighter trailer. They are significantly easier to maneuver, especially when backing up.
Practical Tip: When in doubt, it’s often better to go one size up than to find yourself with insufficient space. However, always prioritize your towing vehicle’s capacity and your comfort level.
Important Considerations Before Renting
- Reservations: U-Haul recommends making reservations, especially for popular sizes and during peak moving seasons (end of month, summer).
- Pick-up and Drop-off: Confirm the exact pick-up and drop-off locations and times. One-way rentals are generally more expensive than in-town rentals.
- Inspections: Before driving away, thoroughly inspect the trailer for any existing damage, ensure tires are properly inflated, and all lights are working.
- Loading: Distribute weight evenly over the trailer’s axle(s), with slightly more weight (around 60%) in the front half to prevent swaying. Secure all items with tie-downs.
- Insurance: U-Haul offers Safemove® and Safemove Plus® protection plans. While your auto insurance might cover some aspects, review your policy or consider U-Haul’s options for peace of mind.
- Driving with a Trailer: Drive slower, allow extra braking distance, make wider turns, and be mindful of your trailer’s length when changing lanes or backing up. Practice backing up in an empty lot if you’re new to it.
Estimated U-Haul Trailer Rental Costs (In-Town, Daily Rate)
It is crucial to understand that U-Haul trailer rental prices are highly dynamic and vary significantly based on:
- Location: Prices differ by city and state.
- Availability: Higher demand can lead to higher prices.
- Duration: Daily, weekly, or longer rentals.
- One-Way vs. In-Town: One-way rentals (picking up in one city, dropping off in another) are considerably more expensive.
The table below provides estimated daily rental ranges for in-town use only. These are approximate and subject to change without notice. Always get a direct quote from U-Haul for accurate pricing.
| Trailer Type | Size | Estimated Daily Rental Cost Range (In-Town) |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo Trailers | 4×6 | $14.95 – $19.95 |
| (Enclosed) | 5×8 | $19.95 – $24.95 |
| 5×10 | $29.95 – $34.95 | |
| 6×12 | $34.95 – $44.95 | |
| Utility Trailers | 4×7 | $14.95 – $19.95 |
| (Open-Top) | 5×8 | $19.95 – $24.95 |
| 5×9 (with Ramp) | $24.95 – $29.95 | |
| 6×12 | $29.95 – $39.95 | |
| Vehicle Trailers | Tow Dolly | $49.95 – $64.95 |
| (Specialized) | Auto Transport | $59.95 – $79.95 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Do I need a special driver’s license to tow a U-Haul trailer?
A1: In most U.S. states and Canadian provinces, a standard driver’s license is sufficient for towing U-Haul trailers, as long as the combined weight of your vehicle and the trailer (GVWR) does not exceed specific limits (often 26,000 lbs). Always check your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent for specific regulations.
Q2: How do I know if my vehicle can tow a specific U-Haul trailer?
A2: Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for its maximum towing capacity. Compare this to the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the U-Haul trailer you intend to rent (trailer weight + maximum payload). Your vehicle must have a properly installed hitch and working electrical connections for trailer lights. U-Haul’s website also has a helpful "Trailer Hitch Guide" where you can input your vehicle details.
Q3: Can I rent a U-Haul trailer one-way?
A3: Yes, most U-Haul trailers are available for one-way rentals, allowing you to pick up in one city and drop off in another. However, one-way rentals are typically more expensive than in-town rentals.
Q4: Are U-Haul trailers equipped with ramps?
A4: Most cargo trailers (5×8, 5×10, 6×12) come with a sturdy loading ramp. Many utility trailers, especially the 5×9 and 6×12 models, also feature a ramp for easy loading of wheeled items. The 4×6 cargo and 4×7/5×8 utility trailers typically do not have ramps.
Q5: Do I need to purchase insurance for a U-Haul trailer?
A5: While your personal auto insurance policy might offer some coverage, it’s essential to review your policy for specifics regarding rental trailers. U-Haul offers optional Safemove® and Safemove Plus® protection plans that cover damages to the trailer, your belongings, and liability, providing peace of mind.
Q6: What if I overestimate or underestimate the size I need?
A6: It’s better to slightly overestimate than underestimate. If you find you have too much space, you can still secure your items. If you underestimate, you’ll either have to leave items behind, make multiple trips, or exchange for a larger (and potentially more expensive) trailer, which may not be available.
Q7: How do I load a U-Haul trailer safely?
A7: Place heavier items towards the front of the trailer, over the axle(s), and as low as possible. Distribute weight evenly from side to side. Aim for about 60% of the weight in the front half of the trailer and 40% in the rear. Secure all items with ropes or tie-downs to prevent shifting during transit.
Conclusion
Navigating the various U-Haul trailer sizes doesn’t have to be a guessing game. By understanding the distinct categories, assessing your specific needs in terms of volume, weight, and item type, and considering your towing vehicle’s capabilities, you can confidently select the perfect U-Haul trailer for your project. Remember to account for the practical considerations of rental, loading, and driving, ensuring a safe and stress-free experience. With this comprehensive guide, you’re well-equipped to make an informed decision and tackle your next hauling challenge with ease.
